Looking for a recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss? These Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers might just become your new favorite go-to dish. Picture juicy chunks of marinated chicken wrapped around creamy, melty mozzarella, all grilled to perfection or baked until golden and bubbling. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer BBQ or just want something fun for a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings cheesy comfort and bold flavor to the table.
What makes these skewers special is their perfect balance of garlic warmth, Italian herbs, and that unbeatable mozzarella pull. They’re super simple to prepare and easy to customize for picky eaters or adventurous foodies alike. Trust me—once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Benefits
These aren’t just any chicken skewers. They’re packed with flavor, easy to prep, and completely satisfying. Here’s why they’re worth adding to your recipe box:
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Cheesy and Juicy: The combination of garlic-marinated chicken and fresh mozzarella means every bite is gooey, tender, and full of flavor.
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Versatile Cooking Methods: You can grill them, bake them, or even toss them in the air fryer.
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Quick and Easy: The prep is simple, and you can even marinate the chicken ahead of time.
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Great for Groups: These are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a fun dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Suitable For
This recipe fits beautifully into all kinds of meal plans and occasions:
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Weeknight Dinners: Easy enough for a Tuesday night, with minimal cleanup.
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Entertaining Guests: A total crowd-pleaser, especially when served with dipping sauces.
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Kid-Friendly Meals: Melty cheese and bite-sized chicken? Yes, please.
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Gluten-Free Diets: Naturally gluten-free, as long as your seasoning mix is safe.
Ingredients for Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers
Core Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible skewers:
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Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work. Cut them into bite-sized chunks for easy skewering and even cooking.
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Fresh Mozzarella: Choose the kind that comes in a ball or log—skip the pre-shredded stuff. It melts better and tastes richer.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the marinade a rich, savory base.
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Olive Oil: Helps coat the chicken and carry the flavor of the spices.
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Italian Seasoning: A classic mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds a Mediterranean flair.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
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Skewers: Use metal or wooden skewers (just make sure to soak wooden ones first if grilling).
Substitutions and Tips
Cooking should be flexible, and this recipe is no exception. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
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No fresh garlic? Garlic powder works in a pinch—start with about half a teaspoon.
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Different cheeses: If mozzarella isn’t your thing, try provolone, pepper jack, or even cubes of cream cheese for a surprise inside.
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Chicken thighs vs. breasts: Thighs tend to stay juicier on the grill, but breasts offer a leaner option.
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Add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, bell pepper chunks, or red onion slices can add color and extra flavor to your skewers.
Best Mozzarella for Chicken Bomb Skewers
If you’ve ever had mozzarella melt and vanish into a mess on the grill, you’re not alone. The key is using high-quality fresh mozzarella that holds its shape a bit but still melts beautifully.
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Low-moisture block mozzarella holds up well and melts into that satisfying stretch.
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Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) are great too—just be sure to pat them dry so they don’t release too much moisture while cooking.
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Avoid shredded cheese here. It’s not designed for this type of cooking and tends to leak out or burn too fast.
Quick tip: Slightly freezing the cheese cubes for 10 minutes before assembling helps them hold up better on the grill.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Must-Have Tools
You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup for this recipe—just the basics:
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Skewers: Either metal or wooden ones (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand).
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Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping your chicken and cheese.
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Mixing Bowl: To combine and marinate the ingredients.
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Grill or Oven: Depending on your cooking method of choice.
Nice-to-Have Tools
If you have a few extras lying around, they can make the process smoother:
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Meat Thermometer: Helps ensure your chicken is fully cooked without guessing.
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Tongs or Grill Tools: For flipping skewers safely.
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Silicone Brush: To brush on oil or glaze if you want a shiny, saucy finish.
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Gloves for Handling Raw Chicken: Makes cleanup easier and keeps things sanitary.
How to Make Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers
Alright, now let’s get to the fun part—actually making these cheesy, garlicky skewers. The process is super simple and totally doable even if you’re not a kitchen pro. I’ll walk you through it step-by-step so nothing feels overwhelming.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First things first—flavor starts with the marinade. Don’t skip this step. It makes all the difference.
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, freshly minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it forms a fragrant, savory mix. Then, add your chicken chunks and toss everything until each piece is nicely coated.
Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes. If you’ve got time, a few hours in the fridge will make the flavors even deeper. Just be sure to cover the bowl.
Tip: If you’re meal prepping, you can marinate the chicken the night before. It only gets better with time.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Once your chicken is marinated and you’re ready to go, it’s time to build your skewers. Think of this like building a flavor tower—each layer matters.
Start with a piece of chicken, then a cube of mozzarella, and repeat. Continue until each skewer is full, leaving a little space on both ends for easy handling.
Tip: Try to sandwich the mozzarella between chicken pieces so it stays tucked in while cooking. This helps prevent it from slipping off or melting too early.
If you’re adding extras like cherry tomatoes or bell pepper chunks, now’s the time. Mix and match however you like—it’s your skewer party.
Step 3: Cook the Skewers
You’ve got options here depending on your kitchen setup and mood. Let’s walk through each one.
Grilling:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers directly over the heat and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes. You’re looking for juicy, golden-brown chicken and cheese that’s just starting to ooze.
Baking:
No grill? No problem. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and bake the skewers for 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Air Fryer (Optional):
Set your air fryer to 370°F. Cook the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, flipping them gently once in the middle.
Tip: A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Aim for an internal temp of 165°F to make sure your chicken is perfectly cooked.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
When your skewers are hot, juicy, and the mozzarella is just beginning to melt over the sides, you’re done.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a little color and freshness. Then, serve them right away—these are best enjoyed hot.
You can pair them with marinara sauce, ranch, BBQ sauce, or even serve them over fluffy rice or a crisp salad. Honestly, there’s no wrong way to enjoy them.
Tips for Success
Making Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can take them from good to seriously amazing.
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Don’t rush the marinade. It’s where all the garlic and herb flavor comes from.
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Freeze your cheese cubes for 10 minutes before assembling. It helps them stay in place during cooking.
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Use same-sized chicken pieces so they cook evenly.
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Give them space on the baking sheet or grill. Crowding leads to uneven cooking.
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Rotate while cooking for even browning on all sides.
If your cheese leaks out a little, don’t worry—it just means it’s extra melty. That’s part of the charm.
How to Store Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers
These skewers are at their best fresh off the grill, but they do store surprisingly well if you’ve got leftovers—or if you want to prep ahead.
At Room Temperature
Leave them out no longer than 2 hours. After that, it’s fridge time to keep things safe.
In the Refrigerator
Store cooked skewers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or give them a quick zap in the microwave.
Freezing Tips
Want to freeze them? You can either freeze them after cooking or prep and freeze them uncooked.
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For cooked skewers: Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
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For raw skewers: Assemble and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?
Definitely. Try provolone for a smoky flavor, or go spicy with pepper jack. Just use something that melts well.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes! They bake beautifully in the oven at 400°F for 15–18 minutes. No grill needed.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the cheese is tucked between chicken pieces and not right on the ends. Freezing the cheese a little helps too.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can marinate and assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers, check out these similar savory recipes on RecipeSeasys:
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – A crispy, flavorful twist on the classic.
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Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Creamy, cheesy comfort food at its best.
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Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Tender grilled chicken in a rich garlic sauce.
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Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Perfect for fans of bold garlic flavor and cheesy finishes.
Conclusion
There’s something about the combo of garlic, chicken, and melted cheese that just hits the spot. These Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers are everything you want in a meal—savory, cheesy, simple, and satisfying.
Whether you’re grilling outside or baking inside, this is a recipe that brings people together. So try it out, make it your own, and don’t forget to share it with someone you love.
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Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Bomb Skewers are packed with flavor, stuffed with cheese, and perfect for grilling, baking, or air frying.
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken and mozzarella alternately onto skewers.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
- Optional: Air fry at 370°F for 10–12 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with dipping sauce or over rice.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for best flavor and melt.
- For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes before cooking.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grill, Oven, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: garlic chicken skewers, mozzarella chicken, grilled chicken bomb skewers, cheesy chicken skewers, air fryer chicken skewers